SERDANG, June 1 – The Foundation Studies For Agriculture Science Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) organized a get-to-know-you session between new students majoring in the Foundation Studies For Agriculture Programme (Asper) and the university’s top management.

Director of Foundation Studies For Agriculture Science Centre, Assoc. Prof. Dr Norihan Md. Arifin said the reception enabled new students to get to know the university’s top management, management of Foundation Studies For Agriculture Science Centre, College Management and the Student Affairs and Academic Division and to seek their cooperation in providing the best service to the students.

"This program also provides the space for students to interact directly with the Vice-Chancellor and her deputy on matters relating to learning and the process of adapting themselves to campus life,” she said.

She also said the programme, an initiative by UPM, was to offer placement service for bright students to pursue their tertiary education at a higher level in the university.

"For this session, a total of 830 Asper program (Mainstream) students have been accepted to pursue their studies at the university. This program brings together a group of top SPM students who will be the pioneers of excellence in research and academic and these polished talents will be specializing in various fields in the faculties,” she added.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan also said the process of talent development and self-identity began right from the foundation level itself and students, therefore, needed to prepare themselves for one year before they could do their Bachelor’s programme.

Meanwhile, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini, in her message, reminded the students who will be UPM graduates to use wisdom in leading their life and studies.

“As they are competent, they should be able to get information and know where to find the information from, and not to be too dependent on others. This is the process of self-reliance,” she said.

Students were also reminded to make full use of the opportunities accorded to them as excellence, she said, was not solely measured by academic achievements. Strong soft skills, discipline and personal appearance were other important elements that they must possess in order for them to become graduates who could meet the requirements of the job market. – UPM.